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Legislation making the unauthorised wearing of medals a criminal offence was originally introduced in the aftermath of the First World War by the then secretary for war, Winston Churchill.

It remained on the statute book until 2006 when the new Armed Forces Act came into force and the provisions relating to military decorations were not carried over.

In the absence of any deterrent, Mr Johnson said there was mounting anecdotal evidence that more people were wearing medals they had not earned.

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MP Gareth Johnson wants to make the unauthorised use of military medals a criminal offence

His proposal will undergo further scrutiny at committee stage at a later date.

To claim you're a military hero when you are not is wrong, and to steal valour is wrong

MP Gareth Johnson

Speaking during the Bill's second reading in the Commons, Mr Johnson said: “To undermine our veterans is wrong. To claim you're a military hero when you are not is wrong, and to steal valour is wrong.

“The point of this Bill is to protect genuine heroes. People should not be able to claim that they are heroes when they are not.

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This type of legislation was first introduced by Winston Churchill

“The so-called Walter Mittys, parading themselves at remembrance service parades and elsewhere, sporting medals they have not earned, is not only insulting, but it undermines those veterans who have legitimately earned them.“

Mr Johnson, who showed MPs his great-grandfather's military medal, said the new legislation would not stop family members from wearing medals their relatives had earned.

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He also said the Bill would be sensitive to those with mental health issues, as well as those who suffered “wardrobe malfunctions”, with tradition dictating that all medals that had been earned should be worn on the left breast.

Mr Johnson added: “What I want to do is to make sure we catch only those who intend deliberately to deceive others.“

The new law would not stop family members from wearing medals their relatives had earned

“In actual fact its implications are much worse and its ramifications are far graver than many would appreciate at first glance - all the more so when it involves the unauthorised wearing of decorations and medals.

“It is a gross affront to those who have genuinely served their country at considerable risk to themselves and who, as is intended, wear their medals with great pride.“

She added: “Wearing unauthorised medals is harmful because it undermines the integrity of our formal military honours system.“